Summaries

Extract

Termination of psychotherapy means saying goodbye to the process and the therapist. This can be difficult for the patient and the therapist as well. The ending can reactivate conflicts associated with separation and loss, especially when these were important themes in the therapy. The ending has the potential of working through these conflicts. The ability to say goodbye will help the patient to face future separations. In this article the process of ending psychotherapy is described from a psychodynamic perspective. Traditionally the emphasis was on feelings of loss and mourning. Recent literature describes the ending as a process of transformation and internalization. Different forms of termination (planned, premature termination or forced) are discussed. Also the role of the therapist in this process is highlighted. …